My Journey as an Artist: From Stick Figures to Sharing Magic Through Art
If you’d told my childhood self that one day I’d be an artist, I would not have believed you. Growing up on a sheep and beef station in rural New Zealand, drawing was never a skill I felt I possessed. My early attempts consisted of simple stick figures and a classic tree—a childlike depiction that never really evolved. My path to becoming an artist, therefore, was a winding one, and it took me longer than most to find my footing.
Though I wasn’t “artistic” in the traditional sense as a child, I’ve always been creative in other ways. From sewing my own clothes to knitting, crocheting, and even smocking, creating things by hand has always been part of my life. Over the years, I made clothes not only for myself but also for my children and even my dance costumes. Later on I was Introduced to bookbinding, quilting and scrapbooking. Looking back, I realize that all of these creative pursuits were steps toward art—they taught me patience, attention to detail, and the joy of creating. Art, in many ways, was a natural extension of this creative foundation.
It wasn’t until my mid-40s, during a particularly stressful period at work, that I stumbled into the world of coloring. Armed with Copic markers and digital images, I discovered that coloring could be calming, almost meditative. This simple practice became my stress relief, a break from the chaos. From there, curiosity nudged me further into the world of mixed media, and I began to teach myself how to draw. I dabbled in watercolors, eager to try my hand at everything I’d been drawn to over the years.
However, digital art presented a unique challenge. My iPad and I had a love-hate relationship; I must have picked it up and put it down at least three times before I finally found a good teacher who helped make sense of the process. Once I could apply my coloring skills, digital art began to feel possible, even enjoyable. Today, art is more than just an activity for me—it’s a way to capture memories, express emotions, and share the experiences of my life.
Animals have always been a central part of my world. Growing up on a farm and riding horses, they became woven into the fabric of my life. Now, I live on a lifestyle block with my lovely husband and our alpacas, alongside Molly, our spirited Shih Tzu mix. These are the characters that often inspire my illustrations and make my art feel like home.
Turning my love of art into a business was a natural step. I wanted others to experience the same joy, calm, and sense of magic that creating art gives me. My goal is to help people pause, even for a moment, and connect with those small, meaningful pieces of life. Whether it’s through a Swedish dishcloth, a weekly planner, or a roll of washi tape, my art now lives on everyday items that become part of people’s routines. My work is on fabric, too—I’ve even sewn clothes for my granddaughter from fabric printed with my designs and dolls clothes too. Each product is infused with my love for slowing down and savoring those quiet, precious moments.
Art has transformed my life, and I hope that each piece I create brings a bit of that transformation into the lives of others. Whether it’s a memory, a bit of calm in a busy day, or a touch of joy in an unexpected place, I’m grateful to share this journey—and its magic—with you.